Bracelet construction



Oct. 19 1926 Q. L. GAMMELL ET m,

BRACELET CONSTRUCTION Filed April 22, 1926 ATTORNEY CROSBY AND GEORG item85.

BRACELET CQNSTRUCTYON.

Application lcdilpril 22, i926.

vThis invention relates to construction for bracelets and more particularly bracelets oi' extensible type.

1One of the objects of the invention is to provide a construction of the above nature which is thoroughly practical and eiiicient. Another object isto provide an extensible link bracelet made up of units which are capable of heilig removed from or added to the bracelet with the greatest convenience. Another object is to. provide a construction y of the above nature which is neat and attractive in appearance. Another object is to 'provide `a bracelet of the above nature which is strong and durable and wherein the parts slide Asmoothly in extending or contracting. Another object is to prov-ide a bracelet structure of the above nature which is conveniently manufactured and assembled. Other objects will be in part obvious or in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invent-ion accordingly consists in the features of construct-ion, combinations of elements, Iand arrangements of parts as will be exemplified in the structure'to be hereinafter described and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

Inthe accompanying drawing in which is shown one of the various possible embodiments of this invention.

Figure l isa side elevation of a portion of the bracelet, shown in enlarged detail;

"Figure 2 is a top view with parts removed to show the inner structure;

Figure 3: is a side view of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of two units of the braceletjoined together, one of the units being sectioned;

Figure 5 is a bottom view of an end attaching member detached from the bracelet;

Figure 6 is a section on the lineG-t of Figure t, and

Figure 7 is a bottom view of two units of the bracelet in extended relation, one of the units being sectioned.

Similar reference characters refer to similar partsthroughout the several views of the drawing.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, there is shown in Figure l a portion of a bracelet the body of which is madeup of a Serial No. 193,68?.

plurality of individual units, these units being hinged together as will ybel described. 41When the bracelet is.in its contracted position asis shown in Figure l, substantially allithat is visible of the structure ofthe bracelet are the outer box-like members lO. These parts l0 are preferably formed of sheet metal and are provided with top Aand bottom walls 10aL and l0" and with side walls l0c and 10d.

in Figures 2 and 3, portions ofthe' bracelet structure are shown with these outer boxlike members 10 removed. Within each of the outer members l0 are twoflinks ll and l2. The link ll has two longitudinally extending side walls lla and 1lb and at one end an end wall ll@ which connects the two'side walls. At its other end the link l1 is provided -also with an end wall but, preferably, this end wall does not extend all of the way between the side walls llEL and 1lb. This latter end wall takes the form of parts 1ld and lle projecting inwardly `toward each other from the side walls l1" and lll respectively. This link l1 is secured within the outer box-like member l0 and is fixed in rclation thereto. Projectingoutwardly from the side walls 112L and 11b areprojections i3 and lli respectively which coact with depressions 15 and -16 respectively `formed kin the side walls lOCand 10d of the box-like member l0. The open end of the link 11 permits the side walls lla and 1lb thereof to be sprung inwardly toward eachother for insertion of thelink ll into the member l0, and thereupon the parts 13 and la snap into the depressions 15 and k16. In this inanner'the parts l0 and ll are assembledV with the greatest convenience.

The link l2 cooperates with the link ll, and is slidable longitudinally relative to the link 11. This link l2, as best shown in Figure 3, is preferably formed of resilient sheet material and comprises a top wall 12a, a bottom wall 12b and connecting end wallslQ,c and 12f.

`Within the two links 1l and l2 isy positioned a spiral compression spring 17 which acts between the end wall ll of they link ll and the end wall l2f of the link 12. This spring thus urges the two links ll and l2together and thereby urges the link l2 intovthe IUD Outerbox-like member 10. The link 12, it will be seen, may be slid out of the box 10 (as is shown in Figure 7), compressing the spring 17.

it will be seen that the parts which have been described above, taken together, constitute a complete and independent chain. unit. The bracelet is made up of these units, each comprising an outer box-like member 10 containing the two links 11 and 12 and spring 17. One unit is connected to the next by the parts 111 and 11 being received within and engaging the end wall 12c of the slidable link 12 of the next adjoining unit. In order that the units may be capable of removal and insertion to vai-'y the length of the bracelet, the connection between the links 11 and 12 of adjoining units is made detachable. As best shown in Figures 4 and 7, the bottom wall 12b of the slidable link 12 is split adjacent to the end wall 12 thereof. The wall l2b is cut inwardly from either side thereof a distance substantially equal to the length of the projecting parts 11d and 11e, then the cut is extended longitudinally of the link toward the end wall 12c and then across the. middle portion of the wall 12h. 1n this manner there are in effect formed in the bottom wall 12b, at the end thereof adjacent the end wall 12C, two hooks 12d and 12e which are adapted to receive the projections 11d and 11C of the link 11 of the adjoining unit.

in Figure 4 the bottom wall of the link 12 of the right-hand unit is clearly shown. 1n order to connect an additional unit, it is necessary simply to place the projecting parts 111 and 11e of the additio-nal unit upon the bottom wall 12b to the left of the hooks 12d and 12e and, springing the part 12b inwardly, snap the parts 11d and 1 e into place beneath the hook portions 12d and 12e. Before this can be done, however, it is necessary to draw the link 12 a short distance out of the casing 19, compressing the spring 17. 1n Figure 7 two of the units are shown in extended position. 1n order to attach or remove a unit of the bracelet, the parts are extended as shown in Figure 7 and held in such position by any suitable means, whereupon the part 12b may be depressed toward the roll 12a to permit the projections 11d and '11e to be slipped into or out of place.

lllhen this bracelet isemployed as a watch bracelet, it is sometimes desirable that the units be so arranged that corresponding' ends thereof extend away fromy thecentral portion of the bracelet in both directions, that is, so that the end hooks 12d and 12e of the slidable links are directed toward the watch on either side of the middle portion of the bracelet. In such case the two middle units of the bracelet are positioned together so that the projections 11d and 11e thereof face each other and the links are hinged together by these projections. In Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawing the two units at the extreme left represent the two middle links of the bracelet and they are connected together by a simple barrel link 1S joining together the projecting parts 11d and 11c of the two units. lVhen the two middle units are thus connected together, it will be seen that the hook portions 12- and 120 thereof are both available, directed in opposite directions from the center of the bracelet, to dctachably engage with the adjoining units and build the bracelet up in both directions.

At the right-hand end of the bracelet structure shown in Figures 1, 2 and B is shown an attaching device for securing the end of the bracelet to a wrist watch or the like. A bottom plan view of this attaching device or end unit, detached from the remainder of the bracelet, is shown in Figure rEhis construction comprises an outer casing-like member 19 having at its left-hand end parts forming side walls and a bottoni wall, the other end thereof being shaped t0 form a hook 20. lilithin this member 19 is a spring` member 21 which coacts with the lip of the hook 29. This spring member has a part 21a resting against the inner surface of the top wall of the part 19 and a part 21b which forms in effect an end wall. The spring member 21 is held in place by the part 21 thereof wedging against the converging side walls of the part 19 and by lugs or fingers 19a bent upwardly from the forward edge of the bottom wall of the part 19. The spring member 21 may be sprung upwardly away from the lip of the hook 2O to permit insertion of the bar of a wrist watch or the like.

The outer member 19 contains also a link 11 which is substantially identical with the links 11 hereinbefore described. This link 11 is provided with the projecting lugs 13 and 1-1 which rest in outward depressions 19b and 19C formed in the side walls of the member 19. The end attaching device is detachably connected to the body of the bracelet by the projecting parts 11d and 11e of the link 11 thereof hooking into the slidable link 12 of the adjacent bracelet unit.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there is herein provided a bracelet construction which is essentially practical and achieves many distinct advantages. The separate units of the bracelet are capable of being removed and inserted at will to vary the length of the bracelet and at the same time the structure as a whole has a solid and pleasing appearance. The parts are capable of convenient manufacture and are easily assembled.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above invention, and as many changes might be made in the embodiment lincassa `above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbet'ore set `forth or shown in the accompanying drawing, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

life claim vas our invention:

l. In bracelet construction, a bracelet coinprising in combination a plurality of units detac'hably hinged together, each of said units comprising a pair ot' links slidable relative to one another, one of said links having side walls and end walls and the other of said links having top and bottom walls and end walls, a spring urging said pair of Elinks together, and an outer casing having top, bottom and side walls substantially enclosing said first link and secured thereto, said second link being slidable outwardly from said casing against the action ot said spring.

2. Inbracelet construction, a bracelet: comprising in combination a plurality of units detachably hinged together, cach of said units comprising a pair of links slidable relative to one another, a. spring urging said pair of links together, and an outer casing having top, bottom and side walls substantially enclosing one ot said links, said one Elink having parts Yspringing into interlockling relation with said casing.

3. ln bracelet construction, a bracelet coinprising` in combination a plurality of units connected together, each of which units comprises an outer box-like casing, a link -secured within said casing, a second link cooperating with said first llink and slidable relative thereto into and out of said casing, and a spring acting between said two links and urging said slidable link into said casing, said first link having means tor connection with the slidable link of an adjoining unit.

ff. 'In braceletconstruction, a bracelet comprising in combination a plurality of units connected together, each of which units comprises an outer box-like casing, a link secured within said casing, a second link cooperating with said first link and slidable relative thereto into and out of said casing, and a spring acting between said two links and urging said slidable link into said casing, said first link being at one end thereof detachably connected to the slidable link of an adjoining unit.

5. In bracelet construction, a bracelet comprising in combination a plurality of units connected together, each of which units comprises an outer box-like casing, a link secured within said casing, a second link cooperating with said first link and slidable relative thereto into and out of said casing, and a spring acting between said two links and urging said slidable link into said casing, said first link comprising longitudinally extending side portions and transversely eX- tending end portions, said transverse portions at one end thereoi` detachablv engaging with the slidable link ot an adjoining unit.

6. In bracelet construction, a ybracelet comprising in combination a plurality of units connected together, each of which units comprises an outer box-like casing, a link secured within said casing, a second link cooperating with said i'irst link and slidable relative thereto into and out of said casing, and a spring acting between said two links and urging said slidable link into said casing, said first link comprising longitudinal side walls and end walls, and said slidable link comprising longitudinal top and bottom wal-ls and end walls, one of the enil walls of said first link being received within the slidable link of an adjoining unit to connect said units together, and one of the longitudinal walls of said slidable link ybeing split to permit insertion or removal of said end wall.

7 In bracelet construction, a bracelet comprising in combination a plurality of units connected together, each of which units comprises an outer box-like casing, a link secured within said casing, a second link coo-perating with said first link and slidable relative thereto into and out of said casing, and a spring acting between said two links `and urging one ot said links comprising longitudinal side walls and end walls, and the other of said links comprisinU longitudinal top and bottom walls and enc walls, an end wall of said first lin-k engaging with an end wall of the slidable link of an adjoining unit to connect said units together, and a longitudinal wallet oneof said links being split to permit making and breaking ofsaidengagement.

8. fin bracelet construction, in combination, a plurality of units each comprisinga link having 'longitudinal side walls, an `end wall at one end connecting said side walls, and parts projecting from said side walls toward each other adjacent the other end thereof, a second link slidable longitudinal ly relative to said first link and having longitudinal top and bottom walls and, at

each end end walls connecting said top and` bottom walls, and a spring within said links urging them together, the bottom wall of said second link being split adjacent one end thereof to provide two hooks within which are removably received said projecting parts of said first link of an adjoining unit.

9. In bracelet construction, in combination, a plurality ot units each comprising a link having longitudinal side walls, an end wall at one end connecting said side walls, and parts projecting from said side walls toward each other adjacent the other end thereof, a second link slidable longitudinally relative to said rst link and having longitudinal top and bottom walls and at said slidable link into ysaid casing,

loo

each end end walls connecting said top and bottom walls, and a spring within said links urging them together, the bottom wall of said second link being cut from its side edges inwardly to permit insertion tliereinto oltsa'id projecting parts ot said tirst link ot' an adjoining unit.

l0. In bracelet construction, in combinaq tion, a plurality et units each comprising a link having longitudinal side walls, an end wall at one end connecting said side walls, and parts projecting from said side walls toward each other adjacent the other end thereof, a second link slidable longitudinally relative to said first link and having longitudinal top and bottoni walls and at each endend walls connecting said top and bottom walls, and a spring within saif'l links urging them together, said second link being oitl springy material and the bottoni wall thereof being slit and adapted to be sprung to permit said projecting parts ot said iirst link of an adjoining unit to be inserted or removed therethrough.

11.111 bracelet construction, a bracelet coinpi'ising in combination a plurality ot units connected together, each o which units comprises an outer box-like casing, a link secured within said casing, a second link cooperating with said iii-st link and slidable relative thereto into and out or said casing, and a spring acting between said two links and urging said slidable link into said casing, saidlirst link comprising longitudinal side walls, an end wall at one end connecting said side walls, and parts projecting from said side walls toward each other adjacent the other end thereof', said second link comprising longitudinal top and bottoni walls and end walls, the bottoni wall of said second link being cut from its side edges inwardly to permit insertion Vthereinto oi' said projecting parts ot said first link of an adj oining` unit.

12. ln bracelet construction, in combination, plurality of units each comprising an outer box-like casing, a link therein having a part sprung into interlocking relation with wall of said casing and thereby secured therein, second link cooperating with said tirst link and slidable relative thereto into and out ot said casing, and a spring urging said two links together and said second link into said casing.

i3. ln bracelet construction, tion, a plurality of units each comprising an outer box-like casing, a link therein liaving longitudinally extending side walls and projections on said side walls interlitting with recesses in the side walls ot said casing, a second link cooperating with vsaid tiri- 1t link and slidable relative thereto into and out et said casing, and a spring urging said two links together and said second li Ak into said casing.

lll. ion, a plurality ot units each comprising an utei box-like casino', a link therein having ln bracelet construction, in combinaj o g la uitudinally extending side walls and projections on said side walls interlitting with r cesses in the side walls of said casing, a s cond link cooperating with said first link and slidable relative thereto into and out of said casing, and a spring urging said two links together and said second link into said casing, said iirst link having adjaY cent one end thereof means tor connectionto said sliding link ot' an adjoining unit.

in testimony whereof, we have signed our naines to this specification this 15th day ot April 1926.

@VE L. GAMMELL. RGLAND lV. VOODVARD.

in combina- 

